How Can One Get Rid of Acne as Quickly as Possible?
Whether you’re a teenager or adult, hormonal changes happen throughout all phases of life. And often, they spell disaster when it comes to your skin. Acne is one of the most common skin conditions that drives people to their dermatologist’s office. And while we’ve all been told numerous times not to pop our pimples, we may not know how to actually get rid of acne. Let’s explore some ways.
What Not to Do With Acne
There are two primary reasons why you shouldn’t attempt to squeeze or pop your pimples. For one, while you might think you’re getting rid of the acne in the short term, this method can actually lead to scarring that may last for life. And secondly, dermatology professionals recommend against popping pimples because it leaves them as open wounds, subject to infection and further inflammation.
Medicated Acne Treatments
There are various acne creams and skin care lines on the market that can help treat your pimples safely. For example, treatments like Proactiv have proven to be very effective in treating stubborn acne. There are other medicated soaps and moisturizers that can help clear up breakouts too. Many of these products can also help clear up old acne scars as well.
While some lines include acne spot treatments that can help zap zits fast, most of these acne treatments are largely about prevention. That means that in order to see success with them, they should be used as a daily routine. If you suddenly stop using them, your skin could quickly develop more acne. So keep this in mind when investing in any medicated products that could be pricey to keep replenishing. And ensure you have the discipline to keep up such a daily skin care routine.
Light Therapy
Two of the best acne treatments on the market can be performed in a dermatology office. Light therapy is wonderfully effective at treating mild to moderate acne. The types used are typically blue light or red light therapy, which are also called phototherapy.
Emitting at a wavelength of 400 to 450 nanometers, blue light can penetrate the top layer of the epidermis, killing common types of bacteria responsible for acne. It can also help to reduce inflammation caused by acne. Red light, on the other hand, emits a wavelength at 680 nanometers, able to penetrate even deeper into the skin to help heal any scarring caused by acne. Plus, it also reduces inflammation. While red light is not typically used to zap acne away, it can help promote the healing of your skin and any condition that may cause breakouts.
Exfoliating Treatments
One of the biggest ways to treat acne – as well as prevent further breakouts and clear up stubborn acne scarring – is with regular exfoliation. Using a specialized chemical solution to slough off dead skin cells, dirt, and bacteria, chemical peels help new skin cells form to replace the old ones. Depending on the strength of the solution, the peel can penetrate deep into the skin, unclogging pores and making these great acne treatments.
Like chemical peels, microdermabrasion treatments work to exfoliate the skin, removing that top layer of dead skin cells and other debris. But instead of utilizing a chemical solution, they actually use microbeads or other mildly abrasive exfoliants to manually exfoliate. These physical exfoliating treatments can clear out pores and minimize the appearance of acne scars over time and with regular use.
Contact Louisiana Dermatology Associates
Need help managing or treating your acne? If you’re in Baton Rouge or the surrounding areas, contact Louisiana Dermatology Associates today for an appointment with one of our board-certified specialists.